NordVPN vs Proton VPN
Compare NordVPN and Proton VPN by device coverage, locations and the features you need.
On the plans compared here, NordVPN covers 10 simultaneous devices; Proton VPN covers 10 simultaneous devices. Start with the devices you use together, then check the locations and connection options you need. Network coverage: NordVPN (7,300+ servers · 150 countries · 225 locations); Proton VPN (VPN Plus: 20,000+ servers · 140+ countries).
Based on published provider facts and editorial assessment. How we evaluate. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
NordVPN
NordVPN is aimed at: People comparing a VPN for up to ten devices with specialty servers and several protocol options.
Read the review →Proton VPN
Proton VPN is aimed at: People who value open-source apps, public audit information and Swiss-based operations.
Read the review →
Want to test it on your own devices?
The quickest way to settle a shortlist is to check the official deal page, install the apps you actually use, and lean on the refund window if it is not the right fit.
Offer terms
NordVPN: Basic: $3.49/mo for the first 27 months (USD)
Proton VPN: VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD)
Headline rates may cover different prepaid terms. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Upfront costs and renewal notes →Same device allowance
Both allow 10 simultaneous connections on the plans compared.
Refund terms
NordVPN: 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply
Proton VPN: 30-day initial-purchase refund; cancellation and refund request both required within the window
Eligibility, payment method and subscription length can affect the guarantee.
The details side by side
| Head to head | NordVPN Editorial edge | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | Basic monthly: $14.99/mo (USD) | VPN Plus monthly: $9.99/mo (USD) |
| Advertised long-term offer | Basic: $3.49/mo for the first 27 months (USD) | VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD) |
| Devices on compared plan | 10 | 10 |
| Countries | 150 | 140+ |
| Network | NordVPN lists 7,300+ servers · 150 countries · 225 locations | VPN Plus: 20,000+ servers · 140+ countries |
| Refund window | 30 days for the initial subscription purchase; renewal exclusions apply | 30-day initial-purchase refund; cancellation and refund request both required within the window |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Switzerland |
| Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN and NordWhisper | WireGuard and Stealth; OpenVPN on Linux and IKEv2 on macOS apps |
| Anti-blocking | Obfuscated servers and NordWhisper | Stealth protocol; platform availability varies |
| Audit / privacy | Sixth no-logs assurance by Deloitte Lithuania; December 2025 point-in-time report | Open-source apps and five annual Securitum no-logs audits through 2026 |
| WireGuard | ||
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Audited no-logs | ||
| Score for overall | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Equal editorial scores do not produce a winner. Device limits correspond to the advertised entry plan; paid upgrades may differ.
Editorial scores by use case
Overall: NordVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial overall score. NordVPN: 9/10; Proton VPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Streaming: NordVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial streaming score. NordVPN: 9/10; Proton VPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Gaming: NordVPN
NordVPN has the higher editorial gaming score. NordVPN: 9/10; Proton VPN: 7/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Privacy: Equal scores
Both have the same editorial privacy score (9/10). There is no score-based winner. Compare the features, plan terms and privacy documents that matter to you.
What differs
Offer terms
NordVPN: Basic: $3.49/mo for the first 27 months (USD). Proton VPN: VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD). Headline rates may cover different prepaid terms. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Server network
Proton VPN lists 20,000+ servers; NordVPN lists 7,300+. Advertised counts can use different definitions and do not establish speed or reliability.
Where each is based
NordVPN is based in Panama, while Proton VPN operates from Switzerland. Jurisdiction is worth weighing if data-retention rules are part of your decision.
Main protocol
NordVPN documents NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN and NordWhisper; Proton VPN documents WireGuard and Stealth; OpenVPN on Linux and IKEv2 on macOS apps. Availability and defaults vary by app and platform.
Questions about NordVPN vs Proton VPN
Which is better, NordVPN or Proton VPN?
NordVPN has the higher editorial overall score. NordVPN: 9/10; Proton VPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Which offer costs less?
NordVPN: Basic: $3.49/mo for the first 27 months (USD). Proton VPN: VPN Plus 2 years: $3.49/mo (USD). Headline rates may cover different prepaid terms. Compare the upfront payment, included months, renewal price and tax at checkout.
Which one supports more devices?
Both allow 10 simultaneous connections on the plans compared.
Which is better for streaming?
NordVPN has the higher editorial streaming score. NordVPN: 9/10; Proton VPN: 8/10. Scores summarize published features and our assessment, not measured performance or a guarantee of results.
Which has the stronger privacy score?
Both have the same editorial privacy score (9/10). There is no score-based winner. Compare the features, plan terms and privacy documents that matter to you.
Are both links affiliate links?
Some provider links may earn us a commission; others are ordinary links. This does not determine our scores. Prices, regional offers and eligibility must be confirmed on the provider website.
Sources and offer notes
NordVPN
Provider fact check: 2026-10-02
USD Basic pricing displayed on October 2, 2026: $14.99 billed monthly, or $94.23 prepaid for the first 27 months ($3.49/mo equivalent), then $139.08/year. Sales tax may apply. These are the vendor's advertised prices; your regional offer and final checkout total may differ.
- Homepage FAQ: advertised worldwide server and country totals (nordvpn.com)
- Server locations and specialty-server catalog (nordvpn.com)
- Displayed USD pricing, prepaid totals, renewals and tier device limits (nordvpn.com)
- Initial-purchase refund eligibility (support.nordvpn.com)
- Sixth no-logs assurance and report access limits (nordvpn.com)
- No-logs policy and vendor-stated Panama base (nordvpn.com)
- Supported NordVPN protocols (support.nordvpn.com)
- Specialty servers and protocol limits (support.nordvpn.com)
- NordWhisper use cases and limitations (nordvpn.com)
- Kill switch support (nordvpn.com)
- Split tunneling platform support (nordvpn.com)
Proton VPN
Provider fact check: 2026-10-02
USD VPN Plus offer checked October 2, 2026: $9.99 billed and renewed monthly, or $83.76 for the first 24 months ($3.49/mo equivalent), then $83.88 every 12 months. Check the final tax, regional offer and checkout total before subscribing. VPN Plus is separate from Proton Free.
- VPN Plus and Free plan differences (protonvpn.com)
- Current offers (check localized checkout) (protonvpn.com)
- Refund terms and Swiss operator (proton.me)
- 2026 annual no-logs audit announcement (protonvpn.com)
- Open-source apps and no-logs policy (protonvpn.com)
- WireGuard and Stealth by platform (protonvpn.com)
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NordVPN vs Surfshark
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NordVPN vs CyberGhost
NordVPN has the higher editorial score for overall. CyberGhost may fit you better: People who want seven connections and a longer refund period on a plan of at least six months.
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